BT accused of blackmailing non-direct debit customers

BT is not having the best of weeks - it's decision to charge customers who don't pay by direct debit extra is continuing to prove incredibly unpopular.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Oct 2007, 09:08 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2007, 10:41 BST

Action Desk last week featured battling Marlene Guest who is refusing to pay the 4.50-a-quarter charge for paying at her bank - and is prepared to go to jail over it.

The piece triggered responses from other angry readers who feel the new charge is unfair.

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Alan Frith, of Smalldale Road, Frecheville, said: "I withheld my payment of 4.50 on my last BT bill as I consider this to be blackmail. I have since received a demand for the 4.50.

"I am incensed by BT's attitude to Marlene Guest. As a pensioner on benefits it is not always possible to have an unknown amount sitting in the bank waiting for BT to grab as and when they want."

Former BT worker Geoff Coates emailed: "If BT wishes to charge customers for various things then surely their customers can do the same. Why not charge BT for your signature on the cheque?

" Claim charges for time and travelling expenditure to get to the bank or post office for the sole purpose of paying the bill. Charge them for the use of your own personal banking facilities. I'm sure I can think of more, and will be doing so as my current non-direct debit is now due."

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JOHN Petter, BT retail chief operating officer, said: "There have been some misunderstandings about BT's introduction of a fee for customers not paying by direct debit.

"For customers who don't pay by direct debit we have reduced the price of monthly line rental by 1 and broadband by 1.

"At the same time, a separate payment-processing fee of 1.50 a month has been introduced.

"This is not a penalty charge, but a separate fee for methods of payment which cost us more to process.

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"So the net effect is a 50p-a-month increase for anyone who just has a phone line with us - and a 50p a month saving for anyone who takes broadband as well.

"Customers paying by direct debit or monthly payment plan are not affected by these changes."

Log on to www.switchtodd.bt.com or freefone BT customer service on 0800 800 150 for more information.

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